Short Summary

The Cambodian Prime Minister, Cheng Heng, addressed the Washington National Press Club yesterday (Wednesday October 21) and defended his country's ability to oppose pro-Sihanouk forces in the coming dry season.

Description

The Cambodian Prime Minister, Cheng Heng, addressed the Washington National Press Club yesterday (Wednesday October 21) and defended his country's ability to oppose pro-Sihanouk forces in the coming dry season. The Army, he said, was ill-equipped and inexperienced six months ago, but has made considerable progress since then, although they still needed better equipment.

The Pro-Sihanouk forces, aided by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong, would have overthrown his government by now, said the Prime Minister, if they had the ability to do so.

After his address, Prime Minister Cheng was asked what military developments did he expect in the coming dry season and how seriously did he regard the success of Viet Cong recruiting.... through an interpreter Prime Minister Cheng answered: